Page 95 of Far From Sherwood Forest
After we get up, we manage to locate all our clothes and get dressed. Henry tosses me his shirt since I used mine to clean up his cum last night and puts on John’s coat. I don’t exactly like seeinghimin another man’s clothes either, but I let him get away with it.
Before we leave, I stop by Marley’s stall and brush my hand down her neck.
“I’ll be back, girl,” I tell her even though I know there’s a chance I might not.
“You’re not bringing her?” Henry asks as he comes to stand behind me.
I shake my head as I pet her a few more times. I know between Lucas and Spencer, she’ll be taken care of here. “No. Just because we’re going back doesn’t mean she has to. I don’t want anything to happen to her. She got me out of there alive. I’m not going to put her in danger again.”
Leaning forward over my shoulder, he gives me a kiss on the cheek. “I think that’s noble of you.”
My face flushes, and I clear my throat as I turn away from my horse. When we exit the stables, Alan’s waiting for us just outside, and we all head in the direction of the bunkhouse. As we pass by it, I give it one last lingering look.
I hope Henry and I can make it out alive again.
We continue off across the field toward the trees where the Merry Men have been camping. Their clearing isn’t too far in, and the others are already there waiting for us. John and Tuck are standing at one end of the open space, and Will is at the other talking to a woman with black hair wearing a cloak. His head is bowed as they speak quietly.
I know he still struggles with his guilt, and I can see itnow. Since the Spirit was the one who offered him his chance at redemption, I assume she made it his task to gather us all here.
But I have a more important issue to address first.
Approaching John, I stop in front of him and cross my arms. If I’m going back to Sherwood Forest with my Merry Men, then it’s time to step back into my role as their leader.
So I raise my chin in the air and say, “You’re not going with us.”
John scowls at me. “Excuse me?”
I can feel everyone’s eyes on us. Good. They all need to know that Robin Hood’s returned. At least temporarily.
“You heard me, John. Things could get dangerous back there, and you have a lifehere. You have a woman you love and who loves you. I’m not going to let you take the chance of throwing that all away.”
His face softens with a faint grin. “I appreciate that, Robin. I do. You’re right. I do love her. But you’re mybrother. I hope to God I make it back here alive, but if you think I’m going to let you fuckers go have all the fun without me, then you’ve forgotten who I am.”
“Well, shit,” I mutter with a smirk as my guard drops along with my arms. “How the fuck can I possibly argue with that?”
John’s grin grows as he extends his hand, and I reach out, both of us grabbing onto the other’s forearm.
“Youwillmake it back,” I tell him with as much confidence and determination as I can. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“Right back at you, Robin.”
He gives me a pat on the shoulder as we break apart.
“You’re both planning on coming back here, aren’t you?” Will asks.
I turn toward him to see his shoulders slumped, a deep, heavy frown weighing down his face. I know it’ll hurt to leave him and the others again, but I’ve already made up my mind.
Peering back at Henry, I nod. “The three of us.”
“Oh,” is all he says, the single syllable laced with sadness.
“Where everyone ends up after this is all finished doesn’t have to be decided right now.”
Everyone turns their attention to who could only be the Spirit. She steps into the center of the clearing, flashing Henry a bright, friendly smile. Ialmostfeel jealous, but then I remember she was his friend when he needed one most. So, instead, I feel grateful.
“Wait.” I take a step toward her and tilt my head. “You look familiar.”
She turns her smile on me but says nothing as though waiting for me to figure it out for myself. Eventually, I do.
